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Sediment - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

Sediment is solid material that settles at the bottom of a liquid, such as sand or silt in water. It forms layers over time and can be found in rivers, lakes, or oceans.

sediment

/ˈsɛdəmənt/ /ˈsɛdɪmənt/

Definition:

Solid material that settles at the bottom of a liquid, often formed by erosion or deposition.

Synonyms:

deposit, dregs, residue, silt

Part of Speech:

noun, verb

Antonyms:

purity, clarity

Common Collocations:

river sediment, sediment buildup, sediment layer, sediment analysis

Derivatives:

sedimentary, sedimentation

Usage Tips:

Use "sediment" as a noun for settled particles or as a verb meaning to deposit material over time.

Common Phrases:

settle like sediment, sediment of time, stir up sediment

Etymology:

From Latin "sedimentum," meaning "a settling," derived from "sedere" (to sit).

Examples:

  • 1. The river carries sediment downstream and deposits it near the delta.
  • 2. Over time, the sediment hardened into layers of rock.
  • 3. Scientists study lake sediment to understand past climates.
  • 4. Stirring the water will resuspend the settled sediment.

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